SCF WhatsApp Group

WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other!

WhatsApp is a great tool to share important information quickly in the community.

Melville Crime Forum WhatsApp Group

This group is administered by the Melville Sector Crime Forum which is used to inform residents of crime in the suburb, safety tips, warned of intrusions and even circulating photos of abandoned of suspiciously parked vehicle. It is important to keep messages short and to the point and avoid using it as a social group chat. WhatsApp communication can get out of hand easily when the focus is not clearly communicated.

Remember that this WhatsApp group is primarily for reporting on crime, and crime-related incidences – please think before you type!

As such, here are some guidelines to follow:

Keep the message short and to the point, you can always add more detail as the incident progresses;

No swearing, offensive language or rude remarks when sharing;

No religious matters;

No political matters;

No disrespectful comments about people, law enforcement, security providers, etc. – we need to work with them;

No fights or disagreements – take the disagreement out of the group;

Try to limit the use of people’s names and identities/photographs especially during an active investigation/case. An exception is the sharing of information that is critical to ensure a positive outcome of the incident, e.g. the naming of the suspicious person;

Lastly, use common sense! If too many smileys and comments are posted, people will feel overloaded with irrelevant noise and leave the group.